The line-ups for the 17.00 GMT kick-off Cagliari-Catania have been announced, but fans feared another defeat if the club insisted on ignoring the authorities’ decision to close the stands.

Last night the Sardinians announced that for the first time this season the new Is Arenas will be entirely open to the public after every section passed security checks.

However, this morning an emergency meeting of the local authorities ruled the main stand was not safe and would remain closed for the game.

The note also warned those who had tickets for the main stand not to turn up, as they would not be allowed in.

However, with just over 40 minutes until kick-off, there were reports that Cagliari President MassimoCellino was planning to let supporters in anyway.

He already invited fans to attend a match behind closed doors against Roma, which was called off with hours to spare due to fears over public safety and the 3-0 result awarded against Cagliari.

There were hundreds of fans milling around outside the Is Arenas unsure of what they are supposed to do. It is even claimed the police at the stadium were not clear on what the situation really is, but Cellino eventually backed down and only media are allowed in the main stand.

A local bishop was on the field to ‘bless’ the stadium before kick-off.

As for the football, Lorenzo Ariaudo is the only unavailable player for Cagliari, who welcome back DanieleConti and RadjaNainggolan from suspension.

Catania have not been able to get Gonzalo Bergessio fit in time, so he is not even on the bench and Doukara gets a rare start instead.